We are delighted to announce that we have received a generous donation of £1,000 from Barchester Care, helping to fund our popular annual scenic drives for local older people.
The donation was presented by Kay Thompson, Activities Coordinator at Barchester – The Dales Care Home, and will support three scenic bus outings.
The trips, which conclude with afternoon tea, offer members the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, spend time with friends, and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Anita Dunford, Trustee of Ilkley and District Good Neighbours, said:“On behalf of everyone at Ilkley and District Good Neighbours, I would like toexpress our sincere thanks to Barchester Care for this generous donation of £1,000.
This wonderful contribution will help fund our three annual scenic drives, followed by afternoon tea, for our members, many of whom are older residents of Ilkley and the surrounding district. These outings provide a much-valued opportunity for people to enjoy a day out, socialise, and experience the beautiful local countryside. We are extremely grateful for Barchester’s support, which helps make these special events
possible.”
Kay Thompson, Activities Coordinator at Barchester – The Dales Care Home,said:“We are delighted to support Ilkley and District Good Neighbours and the valuable work they do within the local community. Helping older people stay connected, enjoy new experiences and reduce social isolation is something we are passionate about,and we are pleased that this donation will help make these wonderful outings possible.”
Ilkley and District Good Neighbours are dedicated to supporting older people through friendship, practical assistance and social activities, helping them to remain active, independent and connected within their community.
Our Social Events Group enjoyed a truly delightful afternoon as we held our final afternoon tea event of 2025 at 
Moss and Moor Garden Centre in Ilkley.
The tea was absolutely delicious, and participants enjoyed a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, followed by time to browse the garden centre’s lovely gift shop. This local outing was the perfect way to conclude our 2025 afternoon tea programme, which has included several memorable trips and plenty of good company throughout the year.
With our afternoon tea series now complete, our focus turns to the Christmas lunches, which will take place throughout December. These festive gatherings promise another wonderful opportunity for members to come together and celebrate the season in style.
Our social events, held throughout the year, are open to clients of our charity. If you’re interested in joining us, please speak with your volunteer, or contact us at the office for more information — we’d love to see you at a future event!
Our Moving On Friendship Group is heading of for a festive shopping trip to the Marks & Spencer Superstore on Thursday, November 28th.
This is a wonderful opportunity for all to get into the holiday spirit while ticking items off your Christmas list. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, stocking up on seasonal treats, or just fancy a browse, the event will offer everything you need to make the season special.
Details of the Trip
- Date: Thursday, November 28th
- Destination: Marks & Spencer Superstore at Owlcoates Pudsey
- Purpose: Christmas shopping and opportunity to visit the cafe for a light lunch.
The trip is a chance to socialise, share a laugh, and make holiday preparations together. It’s perfect for anyone who might need assistance or simply wants company while shopping.
If you’d like to join, please contact the Moving On Friendship Group Coordinator, Hannah, to reserve your spot. Transport will be provided, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all attendees.
Please note this trip is now full.
Ilkley and District Good Neighbours, is thrilled to announce its annual Christmas lunch events. This much-anticipated event will bring festive cheer to the charity’s clients, offering them an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and share the joy of the holiday season.
The three separate events, due to client numbers, will take place on December 12th, 13th and 19th at the beautifully decorated Audley Clevedon Restaurant in Ben-Rhydding in Ilkley. A total of around ninety clients from the local area are expected to attend, accompanied by volunteers and staff who will ensure the event is as memorable as it is festive.
Christmas can be a challenging time for many, especially for older people who may face isolation or have limited family support. The annual Christmas lunch is a key initiative in Ilkley and District Good Neighbours’ mission to combat loneliness and foster a sense of belonging within the community.
What a wonderful afternoon for our first of three Scenic Dales drives, followed by Afternoon Tea at Bolton Abbey. We were so blessed to have a lovely sunny day for the event.
We couldn’t have asked for more—our thanks to Ian and John, drivers of Ilkley Community Transport and the staff at Bolton Abbey Cavendish Pavilion. The food and service, as usual, was delicious.
A huge thank you to Hillard’s Charitable Trust, Co-op Community Chest, Addingham Beer Festival and West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership for help in funding these events.
A huge thank you to all our wonderful volunteers whose help and support are invaluable.
Our next trips are planned for July and September and are available for clients of Ilkley and District Good Neighbours.
Our annual scenic drives in the Yorkshire Dales followed by a delicious Afternoon Tea at the Cavendish Pavilion at Bolton Abbey are receiving some wonderful feedback from our clients. We organise three separate trips throughout Spring and Summer , using Ilkley Community Transport, to enable as many of our clients as possible to participate in this lovely social event and intervention with others.
Our thanks to #rotaryclubofilkleyandwharfedale and #Walkerfostersolicitors for their generous donation and to #Localgiving Magic Little Grants and players of #Postcodelottery for their support and grant towards the event. All your help in The lovely photographs of some of our client who have attended the event captures how enjoyable and important the event is in reducing #socialisolation and #lonelines.
